Global peace must be a deliberate effort – South African defense minister

Angie Motshekga has emphasized the need for global unity, mutual respect, and historical truth

There must be a renewed global commitment to peace, mutual respect, and historical memory, South African Defense Minister Angie Motshekga has said. She stressed that peace must be pursued “consciously and deliberately” in today’s increasingly fractured geopolitical environment.  

Speaking to RT during her visit to Moscow for the commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, Motshekga described the military parade on Red Square as “breathtaking” and emotionally powerful.

She said what moved her most was not only the precision and symbolism of the event itself, but the fact that Russia chose to include and honor “all neighboring countries” who contributed to the victory against fascism in 1945. 

For South African defense minister, the military parade underscored the shared responsibility of nations to remember the cost of global conflict and to protect the future of a common world. “There’s only one globe” she noted, “and we have to protect it and protect its people.”

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Reflecting on the current international landscape, the minister remarked that geopolitics had become overly “materialistic.” 

Motshekga further emphasized the necessity of cooperation between nations across the Global South, Eastern Europe, and Western Europe. “It’s very important to really work for peace consciously and deliberately,” she said.

This year’s Victory Day marked the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. Thousands of troops and dozens of military vehicles paraded through Red Square in the Russian capital on May 9 to commemorate the occasion.

More than two dozen world leaders attended the Victory Day celebrations, including the heads of Burkina Faso, the Republic of the Congo, Zimbabwe, and Egypt. Egypt’s military police marched in the parade alongside cadets from other allied nations.

READ MORE: Victory Day and foreign hosts: Putin deepens African ties

‘Immortal Regiment’ memorial marches – honoring the memory of WWII veterans – took place in various African nations in the days leading up to Russia’s Victory Day events.

“The Russian people fought for their freedom and their right to live – and they won! So allow me to congratulate you on Victory Day!” said Ndileka Mandela, granddaughter of former South African President Nelson Mandela, in her address.